Signs former ‘attention bandit’ Heidi Klum has been eclipsed by ‘power-grabbing’ Sofia Vergara on America’s Got Talent
SOFIA Vergara’s performance as Netflix’s Griselda has seen her amass plenty of recognition in Hollywood.
According to a body language expert, the AGT judge’s days in reality TV could be numbered since she’s been seen “punching down on” and “demoting” Heidi Klum on the entertainment show.
Heidi, 51, shared a clip on Instagram on Thursday showing the AGT judges posing on set at their desk.
Simon Cowell, 64, bowed to the audience while Sofia Vergara, 52, blew a kiss and winked.
Next up was the German supermodel, who stuck out her tongue. Howie Mandel, 68, was barely visible at the end.
Body language expert Judi James claimed Hot Pursuit actress Sofia was the “show-stopper.”
“Sofia’s flirty expression made her the guaranteed show-stopper,” she told The U.S. Sun.
“She sat straight at the desk with her arms splayed out confidently.
“Heidi only had a brief moment in this promo clip.
“Her tongue poke and peace sign were copied from Miley Cyrus and were not Heidi’s usual attention-seeking rituals.”
According to James, Sofia is the dominant judge in season 19.
“Sofia has tried to grab power this season already,” she said.
“Heidi has been demoted and eclipsed; she does not seem to be fighting her corner or mugging to camera.
“We do not see much of Heidi joining in.
“Sometimes, she has just sat back and watched.
“Sofia is center stage on AGT, which appears to be about her riding so high in her exploding acting career.”
The Colombian-American actress took her seat on the AGT panel in 2020, joining season 15.
Sofia had completed her time as Gloria Pritchett on the hit ABC sitcom Modern Family.
Before then, she had appeared in the odd movie, such as Chasing Papi.
Sofia told the LA Times she had difficulties getting acting roles in Hollywood because of her accent.
“I’m always looking for characters because there’s not much that I can play with this stupid accent,” she said in January.
“I can’t play a scientist or be in ‘Schindler’s List.’ My acting jobs are kind of limited,” she added while promoting Griselda.
Sofia’s recent success with Griselda could prompt speculation as to how AGT will manage to retain her.
Judi James
The series hit Netflix’s Global Top 10 list for three weeks after its release. It had garnered over 20 million views by week two.
Sofia played ruthless Griselda Blanco, the famous drug cartel boss.
On Wednesday, she earned her fifth Emmy nomination for the role.
ROLE CHANGE
James claimed Sofia’s acting success is behind her new positioning on AGT.
“Sofia’s recent success with Griselda could prompt speculation as to how AGT will manage to retain her,” she said.
“The Griselda role has seen her get plenty of recognition.
“This has finally positioned her as a more serious actress with a greater range.
AGT might need to take full advantage of Sofia’s limitless range of acting talent if they want to keep hold of her.
Judi James
“The role itself was miles from the frothy ones she had before, such as in Modern Family.
“Now on AGT, Sofia has this heavy-weight movie star presence.
“It appears Sofia has been punching down on her and AGT rather than up.”
Another clip shared on Instagram on Sunday showed Sofia pressing the Golden Buzzer.
This was the second time for the star and for the Japanese comedy act Schumacher.
PULL AWAY
“Sofia’s showed beaming authority once she pressed the buzzer,” added James.
“She has become the dominant headliner of the show.
“AGT might need to take full advantage of Sofia’s limitless range of acting talent now if they want to keep hold of her.”
STEAL THE SHOW
According to James, German supermodel Heidi has taken a step back.
“Heidi used to be the seasoned scene-stealer and an attention bandit,” she said.
“She carried out extrovert displays and controlled the panel promo clips.
It was Sofia who the camera went to for the reaction shots.
Judi James
“She was louder and more dramatic with her gesticulations.
“She has even been known to sneak into Sofia’s slots like a gate-crasher in a Photo-Me booth.
“Heidi always leaned in and raised her voice, but now she has stepped back.”
The former Victoria’s Secret model kicked off her role as a judge in 2018 during season 8.
At the time, Heidi replaced Sharon Osbourne. Mel B became the show’s fourth judge with her.
In 2019, Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough replaced Heidi and Mel B.
Heidi took a break in season 14 but returned for season 15.
Heidi is also the host of Project Runway and has released a music single, Sunglasses alongside Tiesto.
“I love a lot of different things than just modeling or sitting on America’s Got Talent,” she told Billboard.
“I love painting; I’ve loved designing my whole life or coming up with crazy costume ideas for Halloween. I’ve always loved being a creative person. And for me, music was always part of that,” Heidi added.
SHAKE IT OFF
James noticed Heidi was left out in one clip when another act, Forest of Haunts, approached the judging table.
“Heidi leaned back out of it all at one point,” she said.
“It was as though she was fully embracing her more subdued look.
“It was Sofia who the camera went to for the reaction shots.
“She screamed and writhed, but all we see from Heidi was an expressionless shaking of the head.”
Heidi and Sofia also share widely different personal lives.
Sofia divorced actor Joe Manganiello after nine years of marriage and is mom to Manolo Gonzalez Vergara, 32.
Heidi is married to Tom Kautlitz.
Sofia is all about her new heavyweight acting career.
Judi James
She divorced pop star Seal in 2014, with whom she shares Leni, 20, Henry, 18, Johan, 17, and Lou, 14,
A clip showing the two women’s holiday plans exposed the contrast when they discussed their favorite summer days.
GUARDS UP
“Sofia’s energy looked lowered here and less passionate with her eyelids heavy,” added James.
“Her recent divorce might have made her more guarded about her personal life.
“She sounded unemotional, and her hand showed a dismissive-looking twist at the end.
“Sofia is all about her new heavyweight acting career.
“Heidi talked about her husband with a wide smile, suggesting authentic fondness or love.
“Even when she described the floaties in the pool, we can see genuine anticipation about being at home with her family.
“This was very different to Sofia’s cold response.”